A new boost to humanitarian cooperation between Ecuador and the Sovereign Order of Malta was given yesterday with the signing of a Cooperation Agreement between the Grand Chancellor of the Sovereign Order of Malta, Riccardo Paternò di Montecupo, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility of Ecuador, Gabriela Sommerfeld Romero, during a meeting at the Magistral Villa on the Aventine Hill.

The agreement consolidates a long and fruitful relationship, which since 1953 – the year diplomatic relations were established – has led to the implementation of several health and social projects in Ecuador, through the joint efforts of the National Association and the Embassy, in coordination with the local community. The new Cooperation Agreement aims to further strengthen various activities in the fields of health and humanitarian assistance, food security, volunteering, disaster risk reduction, and technical-scientific collaboration.

“With the signing of this agreement,” stated the Grand Chancellor, “we renew our commitment to the vulnerable populations of Ecuador, reinforcing a relationship based on shared values of solidarity and humanitarian service.”